HOUSTON, March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Pennzoil is ushering in the next generation of engine protection with the release of its most technologically advanced motor oil, Pennzoil Ultra. The new, ultra-class synthetic product is the output of a global team of scientists pursuing the goal of maintaining an engine in factory-clean condition.

The advanced proprietary synthetic formula of Pennzoil Ultra motor oil with Hyper Cleansing Technology™ is also designed and engineered to exceed the toughest industry standards. Nothing keeps an engine closer to factory clean(1). Pennzoil Ultra helps prevent sludge and other deposits, but also cleans up existing sludge. In fact, it cleans out over 35 percent more engine sludge than the brand's next best oil, Pennzoil Platinum®(2). In addition, no leading synthetic motor oil provides better wear protection than Pennzoil Ultra.(3)

Pennzoil Ultra became a reality through the incredibly high standard set by the Pennzoil brand and delivered by Shell Lubricants technology teams around the world. Years of collaboration resulted in a Pennzoil Ultra formulation that helps to keep engines as close to factory clean as possible, and also far exceeds the most stringent car manufacturer standards for cleanliness and protection(4) – going beyond just lubricating and protecting an engine.

"At Pennzoil, we recognized that an engine is in its most perfect state the day it leaves the factory," said Pennzoil Global Brand Manager Debbie Van Schalkwyk. "That's why we developed new Pennzoil Ultra motor oil molecule by molecule to seek out and dissolve contaminants safely into the oil before they form deposits or corrode the engine. We are very proud to be able to state that 'Nothing keeps an engine closer to factory clean than new Pennzoil Ultra(5).'"

Auto manufacturers develop and build engines in clean facilities to prevent dust, debris or moisture that could hinder performance or longevity from getting inside the engine. To continue to operate at its best, it is vital that the engine remains clean.

"Spending more than 30 years in engine and lubricant development for one of the largest car manufacturers in the world taught me the importance of maintaining a clean engine," said Jim Linden, former ILSAC Chair. "A clean engine is not a want, but a need for today's consumers to help maintain engine efficiency and performance."

Today's engines are much more complex and sophisticated than their counterparts of just a few years ago. They are smaller, yet they generate more power, often via turbocharging or supercharging, so they run hotter. They feature far tighter tolerances, and in many cases they boast alternative technologies, like hybrid, diesel or biofuel. And every engine today is expected to provide better performance and higher fuel economy while generating lower tailpipe emissions than did a comparable engine of just a few years ago. These changes put greater stress on the motor oil.

"As motor oil developers, we are seeing more and more engines with sludge and varnish, which can compromise performance and reduce efficiency," said Dr. Robert Sutherland, Pennzoil Technology Manager. "If left unchecked, deposits on critical surfaces can restrict oil flow or act as insulators that can cause the temperature inside of an engine to rise to a point where damage may result. Maintaining engine cleanliness should be a priority for all vehicle owners to best protect the substantial investment they have in their vehicle."

For every gallon of gasoline burned, an engine produces carbon, soot, unburned fuel, partly burned fuel, corrosive acids and water. These byproducts can contaminate the engine oil and lead to sludge, varnish and other engine deposits, which can reduce performance and damage the engine if allowed to build up. Engine and oil experts recognize that cleaner engines are better protected, more efficient and better performing.

In addition to exceeding the most stringent car manufacturer standards for cleanliness and protection(6), Pennzoil Ultra already exceeds the 2010 GF-5 specification's requirements for cleanliness and protection. No leading synthetic outperforms Pennzoil Ultra in certain critical industry requirements covering American, Asian and European vehicles.(7)

"Pennzoil is so proud of the performance of Pennzoil Ultra that we are backing it with a 500,000 mile, 15-year Lubrication Limited Warranty," said Luis Guimaraes, Vice President, Shell Lubricants Marketing, Americas.

Shell has a longstanding technical partnership with Ferrari globally and is committed to providing Ferrari engines with the most advanced fuels and lubricants available. Pennzoil Ultra is the only motor oil recommended by Ferrari North America.

New Pennzoil Ultra 5W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30 viscosities can be found in major automotive retailers nationwide. Pennzoil Ultra 5W-40 and 10W-60 viscosities can be found at retailers and installers servicing mostly European cars, or through Ferrari dealerships. For additional information, please visit www.Pennzoil.com.

Pennzoil is produced and marketed by Shell Lubricants. The term 'Shell Lubricants' collectively refers to the companies of Royal Dutch Shell plc that are engaged in the lubricants business. Shell Lubricants companies lead the lubricants industry, supplying 13% of global lubricants volume.(8) The companies manufacture and blend products for use in applications ranging from consumer motor oil and food processing oils to heavy industrial lubricants and commercial transport oils. The Shell Lubricants portfolio of top-quality brands includes Pennzoil®, Quaker State®, FormulaShell®, Shell TELLUS®, Shell CASSIDA®, Shell RIMULA®, Shell ROTELLA® T, Shell SPIRAX®, a portfolio of leading car care brands and Jiffy Lube® lubrication services.

About Royal Dutch Shell plc

Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 100 countries with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of Liquefied Natural Gas and Gas to Liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects including wind and solar power. For further information, visit www.shell.com.